FOOD : Chaskaa serving up tradition in a modern setting
If umami is the fifth taste, then Chaskaa must be the sixth. In Hindi, "chaskaa" describes a taste so delightful that it becomes addictive. I’ve always adored the rich, savoury notes of umami, but now I find myself equally enamoured with chaskaa. It’s that captivating flavour that keeps me coming back for more.
When I think of chaskaa, three foods top my list: Shortbread (yes if you split me in half, you’d likely find an abundance of buttery goodness running through my core); Indian Cuisine with its complex, vibrant flavours and Steak! (you can tell I’m a Scots gal that grew up in South Africa!)
Nestled just off Lothian Road in Edinburgh, Chaskaa is a charming little restaurant that exudes warmth and character. Its prime location places it conveniently near the Kings Theatre, Cameo Cinema, and the lush expanse of the Meadows. This makes it an excellent choice for a delightful dining experience, whether you’re planning to savour a meal before or after enjoying a performance at Usher Hall or the Lyceum Theatre, or perhaps before cheering on your favourite rugby team at Murrayfield Stadium.
The intimate ambiance of Chaskaa provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. The menu is a culinary adventure, offering a selection of dishes that will captivate your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
They also do take-away - order HERE
REVIEW OF CHASKAA INDIAN RESTAURANT, EDINBURGH
Chaskaa is a celebration of India's rich and diverse culinary heritage. Each dish on their menu is a testament to the unique flavour profiles and culinary traditions of different Indian regions.
For instance, head to the western state of Gujarat with Patara, a dish that showcases the intricate blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours that define Gujarati cuisine. From there, move onto the royal state of Rajasthan with Banjara Ghost, a hearty meat dish infused with the robust spices and aromatic ingredients that are synonymous with Rajasthani cooking.
Continue your food exploration to the vibrant capital of India, Delhi, where you can savour Chicken Kadai, a classic North Indian dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a wok with a medley of spices, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Finally, head south to the coastal state of Kerala with Samundri Khazana, a seafood dish that captures the essence of Kerala's bountiful coastline. This dish includes bold flavours of coconut, curry leaves, and a blend of traditional spices.
Before you embarked on our own journey across India, you’re treated to a delightful appetiser of spiced soup. This warm, aromatic starter is the perfect winter warmer, setting the tone for a lovely dining experience. As you sip the soup, it's also the ideal time to order a drink.
I opted for one of their mocktails, and I must say, Chaskaa’s mocktails are among the finest I've tasted in Edinburgh. The Chaskaa Special, with its refreshing blend of strawberries, lychee, chili, and lime, is truly outstanding. This vibrant mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors creates an unforgettable taste sensation that is both invigorating and satisfying.
Later on during the meal, I decided to try their Mojito, and it did not disappoint. The Mojito was expertly crafted, with the perfect balance of mint, lime, and a hint of sweetness, making it a fabulous complement to the rich and diverse flavours of the dishes.
We began with a delightful assortment of poppadoms accompanied by a vibrant tray of condiments: sweet mango chutney, refreshing mint yogurt, tangy mixed pickle, creamy mixed raita, and savoury onion chutney. Our starters included Vegetable Samosas (£5.25), Monkfish Tikka (£8.95), and Chicken Tikka Shashlik (£6.75).
As the dishes were placed before us, the air was filled with the enticing aroma of ginger, garlic, and tamarind. The vegetable samosas were three parcels of thick pastry filled with a delightful mixture of potato and vegetables. The monkfish tikka was exceptionally flaky, while the chicken tikka was flavourful and succulent, bursting with rich, aromatic spices.
View their Sit-In menu HERE
For our main courses, we selected a delightful array of dishes that showcased the diverse flavours on offer. The Prawn Kali Mirch (£14.50) featured succulent prawns cooked in a rich and creamy black pepper sauce. The prawns were perfectly tender, and the sauce was a harmonious blend of bold black pepper, aromatic spices, and a hint of creaminess that added depth to the dish.
The Lazeez Lamb Curry (£12.95) was a testament to the art of slow cooking. Tender pieces of lamb were simmered in a luxurious tomato-based gravy, infused with a medley of spices that create a symphony of flavours. The curry was both hearty and aromatic.
The Paneer Karahi (£10.95) curry was a vegetarian delight.
These mains were beautifully complemented Pilau Rice (£3.25) that was fluffy and fragrant, and a Tandoori Roti (£2.50) that was warm, and slightly crispy.
We decided to share dessert, and the Gulab Jamun (£4.95) proved to be the perfect choice. These two small, warm balls of delight are made from a mixture of milk solids and flour, fried to a golden brown, and then soaked in a fragrant sweet syrup. The syrup, infused with cardamom and rosewater, adds an exquisite layer of flavour that is both floral and mildly spiced.
The warmth of the Gulab Jamun, combined with the rich, syrupy sweetness, makes it a comforting and indulgent end to our meal.
Indian food lovers should visit Chaskaa because it is a celebration of India's culinary heritage, offering authentic flavours and dishes that pay homage to the diverse regions of the country. The food, combined with the inviting atmosphere and attentive service, makes Chaskaa a great restaurant in Edinburgh to indulge in Indian cuisine.
Book your table HERE
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT CHASKAA
They cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free
They are closed on Mondays
There is disabled access, it is all on ground level including the W/C
They are not dog friendly
Chaskaa, 30-32 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LJ www.chaskaaindian.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Chaskaa to review their menu.
Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk